Plenty of people in Orange Park use Uber every week, and most rides end without any trouble. When a crash does happen, though, the aftermath can feel confusing. There may be several insurance companies involved, and it isn’t always clear who is responsible. As an Uber accident lawyer in Orange Park, FL, we explain what usually happens next and what you can do to protect yourself.
Steps to Take Right Away
Your safety comes first. Call 911, move out of traffic if you can, and ask for medical help. Then, if you’re able:
- Take photos of the vehicles, the road, and your injuries
- Get the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of everyone involved
- Write down the Uber driver’s name, license plate, and the trip information
- Ask any witnesses for their contact information
Get Medical Care and Document Your Injuries
See a doctor as soon as you can, even if you feel okay. Adrenaline can hide pain, and some injuries take days to show up. A medical record made soon after the crash also connects your injuries to the accident. Keep every bill, prescription, and discharge paper, and don’t wait too long to get treatment.
Report the Accident
Report the crash to law enforcement. Depending on where it happened, that may be the Orange Park Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, or the Florida Highway Patrol. Ask for the report number. You should also report the accident to Uber, so there’s a record of what happened.
How Uber’s Insurance Works
Which coverage applies depends on what the Uber driver was doing in the app at the time. A driver waiting for a ride request is treated differently from a driver who has accepted a request or has a passenger in the car, and the coverage is generally higher during a trip. Because this can get complicated, an attorney can help confirm which policy applies to your crash.
Who Is at Fault?
Fault depends on what happened. It may be the Uber driver, another motorist, or both. If you were a passenger, you generally weren’t the cause of the crash. Insurance companies sometimes try to shift blame, and under Florida’s comparative negligence rule, your compensation is reduced by your share of fault. If you’re found more than 50 percent at fault, you generally can’t recover damages.
PIP Insurance in Florida
Florida is a no-fault state, so Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage usually pays part of your medical bills and lost income first, no matter who caused the crash. In a serious crash, PIP often isn’t enough, which is why other claims may follow.
Evidence That Supports Your Claim
Save your trip details from the Uber app, along with photos, witness statements, the crash report, and your medical records. Together, they show what happened and how badly you were hurt.
Track Your Losses
Keep a record of your medical bills, missed work, and other costs, such as prescriptions or rides to appointments. Pay stubs and a note from your employer help support a lost wage claim, and a short journal of your pain and daily limits can help too.
Dealing With the Insurance Companies
Expect calls from adjusters, sometimes right away. They may ask for a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement. You don’t have to give a statement, and it’s wise not to accept an offer before you know the full extent of your injuries. An Uber accident attorney in Orange Park, FL can handle these conversations and push back if the claim is disputed.
Time Limits
For most negligence claims, Florida gives you two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Evidence like app data and video can disappear over time, so it’s better to speak to an attorney early.
Talk With an Uber Accident Lawyer in Orange Park
If you were hurt in an Uber accident, call the Law Offices of Henry E. Gare at (904) 387-6101 or contact us online. As an Uber accident lawyer in Orange Park, FL and an Uber accident attorney in Orange Park, FL, we’ll go over your case and explain your options. The consultation is free, and we work on contingency, so you pay no fee unless your claim is successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am injured in an Uber accident in Orange Park, FL?
Call 911, get medical care, report the crash, take photos, and save your trip details. Then speak to an attorney before talking to the insurance companies.
Does Uber provide insurance coverage for injured passengers?
Uber carries insurance, and the coverage depends on the driver’s status in the app at the time. An attorney can confirm what applies to your crash.
Who pays medical bills after an Uber accident in Florida?
Often your PIP coverage pays first. Other insurance may cover the rest, depending on who was at fault.
Can I file a claim if an Uber driver caused the accident?
Yes. You may have a claim against the Uber driver and any applicable insurance.
What happens if another driver causes an Uber accident?
You may have a claim against the other driver’s insurance. Uber’s coverage may also apply in some situations.
Does Uber insurance cover pedestrians injured by an Uber driver?
It may, depending on the driver’s status and who was at fault. An attorney can review your situation.
What evidence should I collect after an Uber accident?
Photos, trip details, witness names, the police report, and your medical records and bills.
Can I recover compensation for lost wages after an Uber accident?
Yes. You may be able to recover lost income, and PIP may cover part of it.
How long do I have to file an Uber accident lawsuit in Florida?
For most negligence claims, two years from the accident date.
When should I contact an Uber accident lawyer in Orange Park, FL?
As soon as you can, ideally before you speak to an insurance adjuster.
